Manaaki Energy

Board of Directors

Chair, DNZM CBE President Māori Women’s Welfare League 1993-96, Human Rights Commissioner 1996-2001, Waitangi Tribunal Member 2001–2006, Former Chair Māori Women’s Development Fund, chair several land trusts.

DAME ARETA KOOPU

THE REVEREND JILL MCDONALD

Deputy Chair, has been leading and championing the Presbyterian Church in their Mana Orite partnership with Mana Whenua. Rev McDonald has pioneered a community based approach to her ministry and has been fondly embraced by the Cook Islands community.

RAUKURA HUATA, Trustee

Raukura is a communications and stakeholder-engagement specialist with extensive experience working alongside marae, hapū, and iwi entities across Te Matau-a-Māui. She previously led a wide-ranging consultation on solar opportunities throughout Hawke’s Bay and brings strong capability in managing complex community relationships.

HINEMOA AWATERE, Secretary

Hinemoa is an accomplished steward leader, specialising in behavioural and interpersonal communication, governance, public and private investments. An experienced director and people leader, with a focus on innovation and excellence. Strategic and proactive, with a commitment to circular economy design for a climate resilient future. Hinemoa has a wealth of experience in agencies to integrate Māori perspectives and to facilitate successful relationships with hapū and Māori groups.

HOWIE MORRISON. Trustee

Well known for his 40-year entertainment career, Howie brings practical renewable-energy experience through his long involvement with the Te Arawa Geothermal Association, where he worked alongside senior technical leaders in energy development. Over the past two years, he has led Manaaki Energy’s international engagement, meeting major solar manufacturers in China and developing a strategic procurement pathway with Growatt Solar International. His commercial insight and hands-on understanding of solar technology provide valuable oversight.

TE ŌTANE HUATA, Treasurer
Audit accountant; member of the Audit and Risk Committees for the Heretaunga Tamatea Settlement Trust and Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga; Regional Advisor for Kāinga Ora (Hawke’s Bay & Tairawhiti). Brings strong financial, audit, and compliance leadership.

DONNA AWATERE HUATA

Donna is the Founder of Manaaki Energy and Interim CEO.

She brings a wealth of experience, innovation, and leadership to the Manaaki team. With an extensive career in both the public and private sectors, she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to sustainability, environmental advocacy, and the empowerment of Māori communities.